Monday, January 18, 2016

Commenting on the news that British government advisors are in the command and control centre for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and have access to the list of targets, Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors without Borders is calling on the UK government to reiterate its full support to international humanitarian law (IHL), including within any coalition that it supports. The organisation, which directly runs or supports three health facilities that have come under attack in Yemen in as many months, is urging the UK government to support full and transparent investigations into any possible breaches of IHL.

Vickie Hawkins, executive director of MSF UK, said:

“Three health facilities directly run or supported by MSF in Yemen have come under attack in as many months. The latest attack last Sunday killed five health workers, including an MSF staff member. Other people injured in the attack remain in a critical condition. These patients have now been moved to another facility, but we know if they recover they will flee as soon as possible, such is their fear – backed up by months of evidence - that health facilities are a target in Yemen."

“Whilst we do not yet know who was responsible for this latest attack, it is outrageous for UK politicians to try to explain recent events away by saying that there have been no ‘deliberate’ breaches of international humanitarian law. The UK government must make clear its commitment to these rules of war by supporting full and transparent investigations of any possible breaches of IHL that take place.”